About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Federal law enforcement and homeland security.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

Confidential Client is hiring Entry-Level Border Patrol Agents to join its federal law enforcement team serving national border security missions. As an Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent based in Danforth, ME, you will perform patrol, surveillance, interdiction, and investigative support duties to detect and deter illegal entry and contraband, protect the public, and enforce immigration and customs laws.

• Detect and question persons suspected of violating immigration or customs laws; inspect documents and possessions to determine admissibility.
• Conduct surveillance operations (including night operations using IR scopes) and covert observation.
• Perform farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city and transportation patrols.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles as needed.
• Gather and document evidence, prepare investigative reports, and work with partners to apprehend suspects.
• Complete training at the Border Patrol Academy and maintain readiness for field operations.

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Key Responsibilities

• Conduct border and transportation patrols to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling.
• Apprehend and process noncitizens and persons violating federal laws.
• Use and maintain assigned equipment (firearms, communications, vehicles, surveillance tools).
• Prepare accurate case and incident reports; preserve evidence for prosecution.
• Work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and extended shifts; perform duties in austere environments.

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Qualifications

You must meet one of the qualification paths below for the advertised grade levels (GL‑5, GL‑7, GL‑9, GS‑11). Candidates with law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify at higher grades.

• GL‑5 — One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making in stressful situations; OR a bachelor’s degree; OR a combination of experience and education.
• GL‑7 — One year of specialized work experience showing ability to use firearms, deal tactfully with the public on law enforcement matters, and make arrest decisions; OR bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement; OR related graduate coursework.
• GL‑9 — One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (physical searches, apprehensions, firearms use, investigative reporting).
• GS‑11 — One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade with authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and lead investigations using complex technology and intelligence.

Required core abilities (Border Patrol Individual Occupational Requirement):

• Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms.
• Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions.
• Communicate courteously and effectively in law enforcement contexts.

Other mandatory requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Candidates must be referred before reaching their 40th birthday per certain federal law‑enforcement retirement provisions (exceptions apply for some veterans and prior federal LEOs).
• Successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy (approx. six months) is required after hiring.
• Ability to read and speak English; Spanish language proficiency is beneficial and additional training is provided at the Academy.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents: $51,632 - $124,717 (grade-dependent).
• Estimated midpoint: $83,069 per year (estimated).
• Federal benefits package including health and dental plans, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a ROTH 401(k)).
• Career advancement opportunities with promotion potential up to GS‑12.

Incentives:

• Recruitment Incentive — up to $20,000 for newly appointed agents (first $10,000 paid after academy graduation; additional $10,000 for selecting a prioritized duty location).
• Retention Incentive — eligible agents may receive up to $30,000 distributed over the first three years.

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Duty Locations & Prioritized Sites

This posting supports placements across multiple sectors and stations nationwide. Prioritized locations (additional recruitment incentive when accepted at final offer) include select rural and remote duty stations. If a prioritized location is not available at final offer, another U.S. duty location may be offered.

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Why Apply

• Immediate hiring interest with Direct Hire Authority — qualified applicants will be reviewed quickly.
• Competitive federal salary, strong benefits, retirement plan, and cash incentives.
• Intensive academy training and bilingual (Spanish) language support.
• Meaningful public‑safety work with career stability and advancement.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.